LME3701
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, LME3701
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: April 2025
Legal Research Methodology
OPTION A
The Evolution of Land Reform Law in South Africa: A Historical Approach
Introduction
Land reform has been one of the most significant legal and political issues in South
Africa, especially post-apartheid. This paper examines the historical development of
land reform law in South Africa, focusing on the legal transformations from the Land
Act of 1913 to current efforts for land redistribution. By reviewing historical legislation,
case law, law reform commission reports, and scholarly writings, this research aims to
explore the shifts in the legal framework that have led to the present state of land law in
South Africa.
Historical Development of Land Reform Law
The Native Land Act of 1913
The Native Land Act of 1913 was a key piece of legislation that entrenched racial
segregation in land ownership. It prohibited Africans from owning land outside
designated reserves, effectively dispossessing millions of black South Africans from
their land. This legislation laid the foundation for future apartheid-era laws that further
marginalized non-white populations (Union of South Africa, 1913).
ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, LME3701
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: April 2025
Legal Research Methodology
OPTION A
The Evolution of Land Reform Law in South Africa: A Historical Approach
Introduction
Land reform has been one of the most significant legal and political issues in South
Africa, especially post-apartheid. This paper examines the historical development of
land reform law in South Africa, focusing on the legal transformations from the Land
Act of 1913 to current efforts for land redistribution. By reviewing historical legislation,
case law, law reform commission reports, and scholarly writings, this research aims to
explore the shifts in the legal framework that have led to the present state of land law in
South Africa.
Historical Development of Land Reform Law
The Native Land Act of 1913
The Native Land Act of 1913 was a key piece of legislation that entrenched racial
segregation in land ownership. It prohibited Africans from owning land outside
designated reserves, effectively dispossessing millions of black South Africans from
their land. This legislation laid the foundation for future apartheid-era laws that further
marginalized non-white populations (Union of South Africa, 1913).
